TEST: Hotone Ampero One

A factor that should not be underestimated when it comes to equipment is the first visual impression. The product can later turn out to be the over-the-top hit par excellence in practice, but if the first impression is more or less in the realm of "inconsequential to the bone", it takes an eternity to put this impression into perspective, if you ever get it out of your head at all. In today's review of the Hotone Ampero One, we're clearly dealing with the "Wat cute" performance category, which succinctly sums up the product's priorities.

The construction of the Hotone Ampero One

The Hotone Ampero One is a typical multi-effects pedal of the modern class, which means that the usual FX arsenal is joined by a lot of modeling amps, cabinets and microphone simulations. As already indicated, the Hotone Ampero One focuses on very small dimensions, but without sacrificing the necessary editing comfort. Until a few years ago, it was standard practice to have at least some kind of cabinet and microphone system in the rehearsal room or on the club stage if you couldn't transport your own equipment in a car. Nowadays, depending on the constellation, it may be necessary to travel by public transport for cost reasons and to have a suitable Inear-compatible sound generation system in your luggage in addition to your personal instrument.

The Hotone Ampero One is aimed at precisely this target group, which with its dimensions (W x D x H) 273 mm x 143 mm x 51 mm and a weight of just under 1.2 kilograms fits into any front pocket of an average gig bag. The required 9V multi-voltage power supply is included. If you forget to take it, don't worry, with a moderate 500 mA output, you can also use a different power supply on site.

Despite the focus on transportability and a retail price of only 272 euros, Hotone has not skimped on the mechanical equipment. Whereas in the past multi-effects units in this performance class were often housed in a plastic casing, the Hotone Ampero One has a solid metal casing all around, which speaks for a long service life of the pedal. In addition to three footswitches, a volume control and a rotary / push control, even a small expression pedal was built in, which thanks to a grippy surface provides a good grip for any shoe.

This is also urgently needed, since the pedal forces the user to make some compromises due to its short length of only 13 centimeters. If you put the foot on with the ball of the foot for the necessary sensitivity, the heel touches the ground prematurely during the downward movement, so that you have to slide backwards again with the ball of the foot to zero the pedal. Conversely, if the heel is flush on the pedal, you only have about the middle of the foot to perform the tilting motion, resulting in an unfamiliar "foot hold". Of course, you can get used to the dimensions, but it remains to consider whether you do not connect an external expression pedal with regular dimensions, especially since the Hotone Ampero One has an extra connection socket for an external pedal on the front side.

Speaking of the front panel, in addition to the input jack, the Hotone Ampero One has two stereo jacks (the left can be used mono if necessary), a stereo mini jack for headphone use and a stereo mini jack as AUX In. Again, a solid construction, especially since the jacks are directly screwed to the housing and thus the plugging and unplugging forces of the cables are not passed on to the board. The system rests on a total of 6 pleasantly soft rubber feet, which ensure good stability even on smooth surfaces. A USB socket for controlling the client solution in PC mode or for uploading updates completes the system.

The effects department

As usual with products of this performance class, one is almost overwhelmed by the list of possible effects. 64 amp models, 60 cabinet models plus various microfotypes, over 100 pedal models, over 50 Hotone effects - including high drive / dynamic / filter / mod / delay and reverb models, the whole spread over 198 presets, give the impression that you could easily save the same fleet in analog form, which would amount to almost six figures, especially since Hotone is very borderline with names such as the amps with names. For example, the amps with names like "Boger", "Fryman", "Rector", "Dizzle", "Engle" or even "Marshell" in the field. How far these models differ from each other, or even have something to do with the originals, will still be shown in the practical test.

The large color touch display of the pedal is controlled by using your finger, or via the software, which you can download from the web. Here you have a very extensive selection of submenus, where you can choose, for example, in addition to the various pedal / amp / cabinet combinations also between different microphone types along with an alignment of the microphone in the X, Y and Z axis. Now we would have easily arrived at 120,000 € equivalent in the analog world. Finally, for personal practice, there is a drum computer with 100 different patterns and a tuner, which is activated by pressing the left and middle footswitches simultaneously.

The Hotone Ampero One in practice

The Hotone Ampero One can be used or integrated into your personal setup in 2 ways. On the one hand, you can use it as a normal multi-effects pedal, i.e. you 1.) use the internal distortion pedals before the analog amp, or 2.) loop it into the FX loop of the analog amp, or 3.) use all effects before a clean amp. So far, so normal, however, the majority of users will probably rather aim at the second variant of use, i.e. the all-in-one solution with minimal transport effort, directly into the P.A. / Inear systems etc., as known from the market leaders Kemper and Fractial.

This is also the area that I primarily tested and from which the attached sound files also originate. If we step through the individual factory presets, we come across the usual, mostly effect overloaded standards, as we know them from the competition. Why this "eighties programming", in which a sophisticated reverb algorithm was still a special feature and a special mention in the presets was quite justified, has remained until today with all other suppliers of this product class, I can not really explain. Nowadays, the experienced user can only be moved to a benevolent nod with the most successful reproduction of the original possible, and there it requires exactly the opposite, namely no FX part at all.

But ultimately no problem, you can turn off all effects and listen to the pure amp / cabinet emulation, possibly with an equalizer pedal in front. And exactly then you can hear why the presets were set with a comparatively high FX content. Please forgive the harsh language, but none of the mentioned "paraphrases" has anything to do with the sound of the original. Neither a "Dizzle" sounds like Diezel, nor an "Engle 4x12" cabinet like Engl, nor a Dyn57 like Shure. Also, the "movement" of the microphone emulation in the three axes is pure EQ processing and has nothing to do with the interactive action of an analog mic.

This doesn't mean that you can't achieve satisfying sounds with the Hotone Ampero One, it just means that you shouldn't go by the names of the originals. For real "game kids", on the other hand, the pedal offers a great playground due to its almost inexhaustible possibilities. Sonically, the product offers the typical strengths and weaknesses of this performance class, meaning good clean sounds and rather mediocre distortion sounds, which can undoubtedly be improved by manual processing, but overall leave a rather mixed impression.

For the quick capture of an idea in songwriting mode, the daily practice routine or even the carefree jamming without much wiring, the Hotone Ampero One, however, is undoubtedly recommended.

Conclusion

With the Hotone Ampero One, the Asian manufacturer introduces a very well-made multi-effects pedal with minimal dimensions in its portfolio. Anyone who focuses on easy handling, a good basic configuration and a wide range of editing options will have a lot of fun with the pedal.

Additional Informations:

- Hotone Audio is a Chinese company that specializes in designing and manufacturing high-quality guitar and bass amplifiers, effects pedals, and other audio equipment. The company was founded in 2010 by a group of experienced engineers and musicians who were passionate about creating innovative, high-performance audio products that would help musicians bring their creative vision to life.

One of the key factors that sets Hotone Audio apart from other audio equipment manufacturers is the company's commitment to innovation and creativity. Hotone Audio is constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of guitar and bass amplification and effects, and the company's products are known for their unique and innovative designs. Hotone Audio has won numerous awards for its products, including the prestigious NAMM "Best in Show" award.

Hotone Audio's product lineup includes a wide range of guitar and bass amplifiers, effects pedals, and accessories. The company's Nano Legacy amplifier series is particularly popular, offering a range of compact, portable amplifiers that deliver big sound in a small package. Hotone Audio's effects pedals are also highly regarded, with a range of pedals that offer classic and modern guitar and bass effects in a compact and affordable format.

Another key factor in Hotone Audio's success is the company's commitment to quality and reliability. All Hotone Audio products are crafted using top-quality components and materials, and the company places a high emphasis on ensuring that its products are rugged, reliable, and built to last. Hotone Audio's customer service is also exceptional, with the company offering extensive support and warranty coverage to ensure that its customers are completely satisfied with their purchases.

Hotone Audio's commitment to innovation and quality has made the company a favorite among guitar and bass players around the world. Whether you're a professional musician or a hobbyist, Hotone Audio's products offer exceptional performance, reliability, and value for money. With a wide range of amplifiers, effects pedals, and accessories to choose from, Hotone Audio has something to offer for every musician, and the company's products are sure to inspire creativity and help musicians achieve their musical goals.

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